Director of Armie Hammer film banned in Germany insists ‘I’m not a Nazi
German authorities have banned the film Citizen Vigilante for allegedly inciting violence against migrants, according to director Uwe Boll. The movie serves as the comeback vehicle for actor Armie Hammer, who plays a man targeting immigrants following violent crimes. Boll denied being a Nazi in an interview with The Telegraph.
The film centers on a character named Sanders, played by Hammer, who takes independent action against immigrants after becoming angry over violent crimes. While the movie is slated for a U.S. release on Friday, June 19, it currently lacks a distributor in the United Kingdom.
Why was Citizen Vigilante banned in Germany?
Director Uwe Boll stated that the German rating system refused to rate the film, which he characterized as a “deliberate censorship decision.” Boll hired a lawyer to contest the move, but the effort failed in a six-two vote. He was informed that the film was banned for inciting violence against migrants.
In an interview with The Telegraph, Boll argued that being a conservative on social, sexual, or political issues now leads to accusations of being a Nazi. He specifically mentioned that questioning the hundreds of billions of dollars sent to Ukraine often results in being labeled a friend of Putin or a Nazi.
What is Armie Hammer’s history with misconduct allegations?
Hammer was previously considered one of Hollywood’s top prospects before facing accusations of rape, sexual misconduct, and cannibalism in 2021. One woman alleged during a March 2021 virtual news conference that Hammer raped her in April 2017. Hammer denied these claims, and his lawyer described them as “outrageous.”
Two other women also alleged physical and emotional abuse, which Hammer denied. Following these accusations, Hammer was dropped from ongoing projects and lost his agents and publicists. He spent time in the Cayman Islands before returning to Hollywood.
In 2023, a Los Angeles prosecutor announced that the office would not be filing criminal charges against the actor. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Hammer said Citizen Vigilante was the first acting job he had been offered in five years, noting that he cried when he received the call.
What happens next for the film’s release?
The film may face continued distribution challenges outside the United States due to its lack of a UK distributor and its ban in Germany. Boll stated he hopes viewers respond to the project as a thriller rather than a documentary.
Hammer’s professional future could depend on the reception of this role. He told The Hollywood Reporter that he “made these problems” for himself by bringing “dangerous and unsafe people” into his life, though he maintained he did not do what people alleged.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Citizen Vigilante banned in Germany?
According to director Uwe Boll, the film was banned because it was judged to be inciting violence against migrants.
Did Armie Hammer face criminal charges for the 2021 allegations?
No. A Los Angeles prosecutor stated in 2023 that it would not be filing criminal charges.
What is the plot of the movie?
Hammer plays a man named Sanders who takes matters into his own hands after becoming angry at violent crime perpetrated by immigrants.
Do you believe a film’s political message should be subject to government censorship?